Minsk World

Minsk World is a military theme park located in Dapeng Bay, Shenzhen, Guangdong province. It includes the huge former Soviet (later Russian) aircraft carrier Minsk, redesigned as a tourist attraction. The theme park opened on 10 May 2000. As of 2005, it had attracted more than five million visitors.

The aircraft carrier Minsk was part of the Soviet Pacific Fleet.  It is a second-generation Soviet aircraft carrier, one of the most outstanding in the history of routine aircraft carriers. Minsk was built in 1972 and was first listed as part of the Soviet Union Navy Pacific Fleet in 1978. It was retired after the Cold War and sold to Korea in 1993. In June of 1998, Minsk was resold to Shenzhen by Minsk Company, a Chinese company for the purpose of creating a military-themed tourist attraction. Until 2006, when the company went bankrupt, Minsk was the centerpiece of a military theme park in Shatoujiao district of Shenzhen called Minsk World.

In the past ten years, its development has evolved, taking it from a mere theme park to a center for popular science education as well as national defense education. It is praised for being both a National Popular Science Education Base and a Guangdong Military Popular Science Education Base. Once composed of only the Minsk Aircraft Carrier, the park has expanded. Now, Minsk World is made up of two parts: the Aircraft Carrier (at sea) and the Square (on land). These sections are connected by a military bridge that is 10 meters (10.9 yards) wide and 90 meters (98.5 yards) long.

Minsk Aircraft Carrier covers an area of 30,000 square meters (7.4 acres). The well-known Soviet MiG-23 aircraft-fighter and Mi-24 military helicopters are on display on the first deck, while on the second deck, the crew's living area has been rebuilt to give visitors a glimpse of the conditions of naval life. There are also exhibitions on space flight, sailing and aviation, and visitors can take part in activities, such as mimic warfare, that allow them to experience the excitement of operating hi-tech military weapons. Russian traditional performances and martial performances of the honor guard round out the list of attractions available on the ship.

Back on land, Minsk Square also offers a variety of entertainment for visitors, from historical re-enactments to shopping and dining. The Square encompasses 80, 0000 square kilometers (19.8 acres) and is divided into three sections: the Back Square, the Front Square and the Aircraft Carrier Center. When entering the Front Square, visitors are greeted by the sight of the guard of honor, flanked by sentries on both sides. This Square features a sculpture called 'Turn Swords into Ploughs' which calls for deep thought about the hard-earned peace. While the Back Square emphasizes military entertainment, featuring a soul stirring naval battle simulation that is not to be missed. The tank position and air base are also located there. The third section of Minsk Square is the Aircraft Carrier Center, a multi-functional building with a distinctive architectural style. Here, guests can do some shopping and have a relaxing dinner to complete their visit.

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